At its new, reduced, $1,748 price, the S615 is the least-expensive MMX-233 in this review. But you still get a nice package: 32MB of RAM, a 5.1GB hard disk, a 24X CD-ROM drive, and a 56-kbps modem. Another bright spot is performance: within its processor class, this MMX-233 ran above average on business apps and tied for top honors on games--with particularly nice results on 2D games. Best of all, unlike direct (that is, mail order) PCs, the S615 can be found in your local store, where you can try it out and carry it home instead of waiting for UPS. The Multimedia S615 worked perfectly, right out of the box--more proof that Packard Bell's commitment to improving the customer experience is not mere hype. Assembly was easy, drivers were in place, apps were ready to run, everything went smoothly. And for new users, the system comes with the best Windows tutorial software in the roundup. Newbies will also enjoy the special buttons on the keyboard, which offer easy access to the speakerphone, CD player, volume control, and so on. If the S615 has a weak point, it's the 15-inch multimedia monitor: it's one of the smallest in this review (13.5 inches viewable), it doesn't look too hot at any resolution, and its built-in speakers aren't great. Still, it's an acceptable trade-off for the price; and there's nothing to stop you from upgrading to a better display while you're in the store. In addition, the software bundle is better than average, with Word 97, Quicken SE, Encarta, and a couple of educational programs for kids. Overall, the S615 is a solid PC for an affordable price. It's easy to set up and comes with all the hardware and software you need for a productive and entertaining computing experience. At such a low price, you can't ask for much more.
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